Bears centurion and one of the club’s longest serving players, Jake Heenan, will depart the Bears at the end of the season after seven seasons and 120 appearances.
The 33-year-old back row forward joined the Bears from Connacht in the summer of 2018 and has helped the club to a first place Premiership finish in 2021 and the maiden European title in 2020.
The former New Zealand U20 captain, a hugely respected and valued leader within the Bears squad, leaves to take up an opportunity in his native New Zealand.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Jake is the ultimate team man, and his understanding of the game, his very low error count and his outstanding leadership have made a huge impact here.
“From the day I brought him here from Connacht, off the back of winning the Pro12, Jake has been a standard bearer for this club and his leadership on and off the field has played a huge part in our journey here at the Bears.
“He is Bears centurion who has given everything to the team – and always wants what is best for the group. He has been incredible in mentoring some of the younger guys and driving standards in training every day. “We will miss him at the Bears, but wish him, his wife Adele and son Max all the best for their next chapter.”
Heenan said: “After seven incredible seasons with Bristol Bears, the time has come for me to move on and take opportunity to return home and finish my career.
“Joining the club at the start of its journey back into the Premiership was a special moment, and Bristol has become much more than just a place to play rugby. It’s where I married my beautiful wife, Adele, raised our son, Max, and built a foundation for the future.
“Making 100 appearances for the club and lifting European silverware are among my proudest achievements in the game. Thank you to Steve, Chris, and the Lansdown family for the incredible legacy you’re building at the Bears.
“A special thanks to Pat, who took a chance on me back in 2010. Your guidance and belief gave me the confidence to achieve incredible things on and off the field. I will always be grateful for your challenge, leadership, and unwavering support.
“Finally, to all of my teammates at Bears throughout the years, I’m privileged to have shared the field with you and to call you mates. Rugby is a sport that gives so much back, and the culture at Bristol embodies those values every day. We’ve got so much to play for this season, and I’ll be doing everything I can to help the team achieve something special.”
